Senility. Some days I wonder if I am on that path or if i am just having brain overload. It seems the world now is trying hard to break people. Break them and crush their spirits and very souls. I look at my kids now, out of school and, well, sitting in the house. They don’t go outside very much saying “I’m bored” or “It’s too hot”. Well it isn’t as hot as the first ring of Hell, or Florida for that matter.
Kids Watching House Burn Down (Photo credit: Kiwi NZ)
Kids do not remember how to play with an old can for hours. Or a stick that is both baseball bat and sword, sometimes in the same game. Have you ever had to win a duel to reach first base? (And not with your girlfriend.) Yes these kids like to sit inside and watch TV or play video games. My 12 year old will read for hours and hours. I can’t complain about that too much, I used to do the same thing, but she has friends to play with.
I have 3 bikes collecting dust in the garage that only get pulled out now and again. So, what am I to do? I would really like to get some work done on the old computer here, and try to make some money, or heaven forbid, a podcast. I could try one but the screaming of the kids would most likely have DCFS over here to find out how I was torturing them.
I have tried unplugging the TV. They just go to their rooms and scream at each other. I have sent them outside. The only time they want to stay out there is when the sprinklers are on and they can get wet. My yard could grow rice some days. I guess all that I can do is wait for 3 more weeks and then 3 out of four kids will be back to school……I’ll tell you, I don’t know which I am looking forward to, the NFL season or the kids being in school.
I think the kids being in school will win. Have a good weekend.
-Justin
Justin,
What about their friends? Is it just me or are parents afraid to let their kids play outside these days? What happened to playing ball in the street? Going off on your bicycle to explore? I think that fear has taken over America. Parents have been brainwashed to believe that they are criminal if their kids get out of their sight and aren’t protected with safety gear when they leave the house. We are a nation of wimps and cowards. God help the next generation if we actually have to defend our country although by that time we will have devolved our fighting forces to the level of Holland.
But, on a constructive note, why don’t you take them fishing?
you know there are not that many kids around here for them to play with or I would send them out. I know there are many parents who have to micromanage the kids. I would love for them to go play all day. as long as they are home for dinner and I know vaguely where to find them if I have to, say, run to the hospital, they are good outside. Sunscreen and bike helmets are chains of the devil. I remember when I was a kid I would go ride my bike, in traffic and down hills, without a helmet or sunscreen. I am ok. I can only try, and fishing is a good idea, I just need to get my license again. Get this, my daughter is old enough to need a license this year. And she wants one. Good for that but this whole “turning 12” thing is messing with my head.
Justin,
At least it’s not you turning12.